rocket boys

quentin: what do you want to know about rockets?

homer: everything!
- october sky

october sky is a movie that is treasured in our family! 

we've probably watched it 25x...maybe even more.

i don't know if i can think of a better movie for families that
is as real, engaging and inspirational. 

it in a nutshell, the rocket boys, inspired by their teacher and
lead by homer hickman {jake gyllenhal is phenomenal in this role} spend weeks 
building their rockets, scrounging material and testing their science by trial and error.  this part is probably my two little guys' favorite part

eventually, these friends successfully launch their own rocket which allows
them to compete in the school science fair. they win and they go on from there.

it's beautiful on so many levels, but i think the most endearing thing about it
to me is the relationship between the characters - the father and son, the
friendship between the boys, and the love and support homer gets from his teacher, miss riley.
  

i don't want to say more but this is a movie worth not only seeing,
but it's worth having it in your family.  it would also make a great gift too.

my three loved it so much, it inspired christopher to build a rocket launcher
a few years ago. they built the machine and made many soda pop rockets of
all sizes. i've probably posted about over the years, {but can't remember}.

anyway, they pull out the machine and their bin or rockets every few weeks.
two weeks ago, they pulled them out again for a playdate with daniel.
it was a hit! here are our rocket boys. 

~ i should note this movie is rated PG for mild language, 
mild violence and alcohol use. despite this, i think it's suitable 
for almost everyone in the family with some parental explanation.